Fire Heart (Broken Bottle Series Book 2)

by Taeuffer, Pamela

  My cell phone rang around ten the next morning. I was sure it was Ryan. Without looking at the screen, I boldly answered, “Hey, baby.”

  “Nicky?”

  Oh damn. Jerry!

  “Jerry! Hey! What’s up, Dude?” I'm awake now, that's for sure!

  “Baby, huh? I like that, gorgeous. What should I call you?"

  “Oh,” I forced a laugh. “I don't know. I was in the middle of a dream and still half asleep when I answered the phone.” I tripped over every word.

  “Sure, you were,” his response almost dared me to defy him. “It’s okay to call me baby. I like that."

  Silence.

  “Whatcha doin’ today, gorgeous?” He knew I hated it when he used that word. I let it slide, wanting only to get through the conversation.

  “I thought you still had a few games out of town. You’re back early, aren’t you? What happened?”

  Please don't pop over today.

  “I’m not back yet; I’m just calling to say hi . . . baby.”

  “Funny, Jerry.”

  “We almost got canceled.” His voice held a smile. “The team we were scheduled to play against Friday and Saturday started a fight. They forfeited, but then won their appeal.”

  “You still knocking the cover off the ball?”

  “Yeah, smokin’ it!” His voice rose with excitement.

  “Very cool.” I shifted on my side and leaned on my elbow.

  “So . . . whatcha up to this week Nicky, Nick, Nick?”

  If only I could tell you.

  “Um, today I’m going to meet my college advisor and then I’m supposed to help my mom around the house.”

  “There’s a chance I’ll be back a day early, so if I am, I’ll call you.” It may have been anything but, however I took his statement as a warning. Or could it have been that my guilt caused me to interpret him that way.

  “Yeah, okay, but this week isn’t so good.” Don't press me. “I have a lot of volunteer work to do with Tara.”

  Lying to my friend . . . ouch.

  “What should we do when I get back?” he asked. "Think of something great!"

  "Okay, I'll give it some serious consideration."

  "Don't strain your brain," he laughed. "We don't want Stanford to be in danger."

  "No, can't have that," I flirted.

  "I'll drum up a few alternatives and bring three to the table. Between the two of us we'll have a fabulous night, okay, Nick?"

  “Of course.”

  “Boy, you’re busy. Slow down, girl!”

  “You should talk with all your baseball games,” I reminded.

  “Maybe you could drive down and see me play?”

  “Maybe.” It would but fun, but I'd like to see where things go with Ryan.

  “Bye-bye, baby,” he teased. “See you Sunday—in more ways than one.”

  “Bye, Jerry.” God, he's already planning to get right into sex when he gets back. How am I going to tell him I don't want that kind of relationship with him any longer?

  I showered and then got ready to meet with my college advisor. Everything I needed to do could be completed online, but I had to walk the campus of City College that afternoon. I needed to look at the buildings and walk through the bookstore and student facilities. I wanted to take in the smells of the classrooms and run my fingers over the chalkboards, coating them with the milky dust of chalk.

  The tactile sensations at junior college made attending Stanford seem much closer and I needed that.

  I met with my advisor and asked her to please put in a personal recommendation with the instructors I wanted. For incoming freshmen, it wasn’t uncommon to be locked out of a course; we had last choice. Even after I'd enlisted my advisor's help, I dropped my own note at the offices of my potential instructors, trusting no one when it came to my education. Getting what I wanted for my future was routine. I knew how to maneuver.

  Finally, at five p.m., after touring the entire campus and exploring every area I could, I tore myself away to get ready for my date with Ryan. While waiting for the streetcar home, I got a text from him. Despite the magic of the past few days, I was afraid the good things we'd shared had spiraled down into a bad ending.

  I couldn’t escape the fear of knowing that one day I’d hear him say, “Nicky, I’ve reconsidered things and I wish you the best. You were right. I need someone my own age.”

  Instead, his text read: See you at six. Can't wait.

  When I got home, I jumped in the shower, quickly dried off, and pulled my new dress off the hanger. I slipped it on in front of the mirror and watched as it fell around my body. I ran my hands over the lacy folds, straightened the sleeves, and touched up my makeup. I'd barely finished my hair when the doorbell rang.

  Jenise answered and invited Ryan inside.

  I could tell she was excited. Her voice always went up a few octaves when Jenise was stirred up. I could hear her high-pitched giggle from my bedroom.

  The magic of my evening began to cover me.

  Just for that night, I imagined our household normal and ordinary. My sister had already introduced her boyfriend to Mom and Dad and they were talking freely, casually, and lovingly as they waited for me.

  I imagined our parents engaged in the conversation and not detached, Mom fearful of Dad saying the wrong thing, and Dad no glass of wine or the threat of a bottle near him.

  I put on a coat to cover myself and went downstairs. I didn’t want to explain my dress to my parents. I especially didn't want to look at Jenise. Once we made eye contact, I knew she’d embarrass me. I wouldn’t be able to stop laughing at her suggestive expressions and comments.

  A few weeks earlier, I'd been angry when she chided me for purposefully playing with two boys and insisted that everything came easy for me. Now, our relationship had morphed into something completely different. I felt emotionally healthy with her. She made me believe in the possibility of our family.

  Relationships are worth fighting for.

  What a difference it was for me living in our household since I'd met Ryan. Possibilities were opening for me, for Jenise, and for my parents that none of us had anticipated. Taking a deep breath, I walked down the hallway and into the kitchen.

  Ryan chatted with my family.

  Even from where I stood, I could see his blue eyes shining. His full smile seemed made of promises; completely attentive to the people I loved.

  He wore pressed chocolate-brown slacks and a black linen shirt, which he'd tucked inside his pants. The three-quarter sleeves highlighted his magnificent forearms. His shirt was unbuttoned just enough to reveal a copper cross dangling from the gold chain around his thick neck.

  I took a breath and walked up to Ryan, kissed him on the cheek, and grabbed his hand.

  Jenise smiled at my kiss.

  My parents, unsure about their daughter’s change in behavior, were surprised by it.

  “Show us your new dress." My sister turned to Ryan. "Of course I had to help her. She doesn't know the first thing about style."

  He smiled with genuine appreciation and squeezed my hand.

  "I'm good." No way in hell I'm taking off this coat.

  "Come on." One of her invisible horns peeked through her hair. "I went to a lot of trouble to pick out that dress for you. Don't cover it up. Show us!"

  “That’s okay."

  “Oh, come on. You never dress up this way. I'm sure mom wants to take a picture, don't you Mom?" She winked at Ryan.

  Mom nodded her head.

  “Another time. We have to go, don't we, Ryan?” I shot my sister a dirty look. “See you guys later.”

  "Wait!" Mom grabbed her cell phone and snapped a photo. "Okay. I wanted to get that."

  “Looks like we’re off.” Ryan returned a wink at Jenise. "I have a long evening planned. I promise to bring her home safe and sound, Mr. & Mrs. Young."

  My parents nodded and gave us a short wave goodbye.

  When no one was looking I stuck my tongue out at Jenise
.

  She promptly returned the gesture.

  Ryan closed the front door behind me, a pleasantry I was still getting used to.

  “What a troublemaker my sister is. I can't believe she kept going on about my dress.”

  “She’s wonderful.” He took my hand in his. “I can’t wait until we all go out together.”

  “I’m looking forward to that, too." Instantly my agitation settled. "Where's your car?"

  "Around the corner. Someone's apparently throwing a party on your block. I couldn't find anything close. So, your kiss in front of your family was a nice surprise. Was that your way of telling me you're ready to show your affection in front of them?"

  "Yes."

  “That means a lot coming from you, Ms. Young.” The warmth on his face made me feel good. “So, your hot dress . . .”

  "Yeah?" He's going there already?

  “I’ve been waiting to see how it slips over your gorgeous ass ever since you told me about it." We approached a Land Rover SUV. "Here we go." He started to unlock the door, but then stopped and turned to face me. His eyes narrowed as they took in my body.

  “Don't tease me, Ryan.”

  He straightened.

  A wry grin kissed his face.

  He stepped close.

  "I'm not teasing." His hands fell to my hips. They pulled me against his body. His mouth moistened my ear. Muscular arms held me inside them. In only seconds, we passed a few luscious, misty secrets over, on, and between our lips.

  The softness of his kiss made me feel elegant.

  “It’s been too long since I’ve felt you.” He kissed my left ear, lingered purposefully and slowly as he moved to my right. “Even an hour is too long to be apart. Do you feel that way?”

  "Yes."

  Scoop me up. I’m melting into puddles.

  When he finished nibbling on my ears, he held my bottom lip in his. I stood perfectly still until I slipped from his mouth. It was slow, hesitant, and blatantly sexual. His move expressed his every hidden and bold intention.

  Ooh, those lips. God, he just knows.

  “I was really hoping I'd hear that pebble your warned me about on my window last night.” I chanced a sensual reveal. “I fell to sleep thinking of you and your wonderful kisses, you know."

  "Is that what my phone call did for you?"

  "Well, it definitely helped to stir me up when I imagined your hands and mouth on me. I couldn't sleep after that and I . . .” I swallowed. I stopped short of telling him too much.

  “What, Nicky?” his mouth whispered dangerously close to my ear. “What did you do?”

  “I, um, well, I just wished we were kissing each other.” I indulged in a finger fantasy but he doesn't need to hear that.

  He pressed me against the car.

  “Did your fingers do the walking instead of letting mine do it for you?” Ryan's nasty smile flashed, almost blinding me.

  I shoved my hands in my coat pocket and looked away.

  “You shouldn’t say things like that, sweet baby.” His hand cupped my chin. My eyes met his. Desire filled them. He couldn't hide the primal male animal within. I felt helpless, as if caught in his sensual trap, waiting to be eaten alive.

  The lion is on the hunt!

  “What do you mean?” My heart raced. “I didn’t say anything.”

  “Yes you did. Without saying a word, you told me everything and you know it. I’ll take care of what you need tonight.”

  Oh God, here we go. His fingers, walking, stroking . . .

  His stomach pushed into mine.

  My cheek felt the touch of his lips.

  “If I'd come in through your window do you know what I would have done?"

  "I can't," I giggled nervously. It was a naive response to a situation I didn't know how to handle. "I can't imagine."

  "I'd study your body with a long, slow look from your head to your toes. One finger would slowly lift the sheet from your body. I'd push your hair back from your face. I'd take off my clothes and carefully slide next to you, pressing my chest against your back."

  His eyes were steady, searing, and lustful. I could see the next wave of intensity gather inside them.

  "You wouldn't even know I was there until I tuck your luscious ass into the ‘V’ of my belly and thighs. As you become aware of my hips moving, you’ll try to understand what you’re feeling. My lips will suck on your neck so hard that the bruise will stay there for weeks."

  For weeks and weeks.

  “Before you even open your eyes, I’ll gently guide my hand into your pajama bottoms." His voice was invisibly undressing me. "I’ll start to rock you in a slow, sensual rhythm. You've just become aware that I have you in every way, when you feel my finger sliding back and forth over your soft lady spot. I’ll coax her from her little hood, making you moan and squirm until you can't stand it. Against every resistance in your body, your legs will strain, wanting to open for me even as you try to keep them closed.

  “You'll turn your head and I see your beautiful smile. You kiss me. But that's not enough. I put my tongue in your mouth while my finger moves your sweet flower, circling her until I feel your body bump up and down against mine. As you break apart into your orgasms, I'll coat my finger with your intimate fluids and slide it into your vagina so I can feel the way your body pulses, rippling again and again and . . ."

  He turned my cheek as I tried to look away. I closed my eyes, but opened them when he began speaking.

  “Mmm, my woman," he took a deep breath and when his chest pushed out to my breasts I thought he might crush me in his power. "Your body's waves of pleasure, jerking with the hard crush of your blood filling that tender spot so protected . . . your sighs escaping your body, your mouth open, and your head tilted back . . . I'll be there to see all of it. So you’d better lock me out unless you want me, um . . . inside.”

  “Oh, I . . .” I gasped, trying to recover from what he’d just said.

  Thank God he had to park away from the house so my family can't see me!

  He kissed me all over my lips, face, ears, and neck. Then, just as he'd suggested in the sensual vision he'd just painted for me, I felt his moist lips on my neck. I put my hands up to stop him. Even though he could’ve easily continued, his lips lifted from my skin.

  “I can’t let you do that. As much as I’d love you to keep going, I’ll look ridiculous if I have a big hickey. My dress reveals too much of my neck.”

  “I'll hold back—for now.” He opened the car door for me. "I can't tell you what it would do to me seeing my mark on your neck." His laugh slithered through me. "My possession tonight."

  “God, Ryan, what a thing you said.”

  “Did I stop in time? Or did your knees get weak?"

  "You know they're weak." I locked my seatbelt in place.

  "Serves you right for your suggestive comment. That wasn’t nice telling me you fingered yourself.”

  "But I didn't say—"

  "Don't act innocent. You were anything but that with your comment." With a nasty grin, he closed the car door, walked to the driver's side, and got in.

  "Where are we going?” Change the subject—fast.

  “You’ll see,” an edgy melody danced in his voice.

  I felt shaken and breathless. I knew I'd have to fight hard to keep from falling even more deeply under his spell.

  Chapter 30

  Dancing

  We pulled up to an elegant gallery on Maiden Lane.

  Ooh! What's he picking up here? A gift for Frances? His Mom? That's right, must be for her visit in a few weeks.

  My thoughts ran wild. A mere twenty-four hours ago I’d fantasized about buying something in this exclusive area. Here I was, with someone who could afford some the items offered in the dazzling window displays.

  Lucky guy. Oh well, someday . . .

  "Aren't the arrangements beautiful?" I pressed my nose to the car window. I unlocked my seatbelt and scooted up in the seat. “What are we doing here?”


  “You’ll see.” Ryan's body seemed to bounce like a little boy as he got out and then walked around my side to open the car door. “Will you take your coat for me so I can see if what I got works with your outfit?”

  You got me something? Here? Oh, I'd love another pin. Maybe it's earrings. I wore a pair of Jenise's earrings that were shiny enough for him to notice in Half Moon Bay. He probably thinks I like those. What will I say? I'd better get ready to fake my reaction and be ecstatic. Maybe a bracelet? Wouldn't that be sweet? Oh, a charm bracelet to match the charm he gave me on my birthday! I can start collecting them now. Oh, look at the sculptures; I love running my hands over their blue patina finish. Maybe it's an artist he loves. He's picking up something for his place. I—

  "Nicky?"

  My head jerked.

  "Okay, I heard you. I got lost for a moment at the display, sorry." I took off my coat and placed it on the car seat. When I turned around, his face said it all.

  What’s the matter, Mr. Tilton?

  His lips parted.

  His mouth remained open.

  Blue eyes changed from sparkling to dark and lustful and raced up and down my body.

  Several times, he shook his head back and forth.

  “I’m, uh . . ." Ryan cleared his throat. "There’s, I um . . . I have a surprise.” He fumbled and it made me laugh.

  “What was that?" I teased. "I didn’t understand what you said.”

  Now you know how I feel.

  “If I touch your skin, I might completely lose myself. You look so pretty.”

  “Thank you! Obviously my sister knew what she was doing since it’s you stumbling and not me for a change," I giggled. "Just let go, Ryan. Isn’t that what you’re always telling me?”

  “Letting go is exactly what I have in mind.” He held my hand as we walked into the gallery and carefully put his arm around my shoulder.

  Tingles of pleasure moved in my belly.

  “Good evening, Mr. Tilton.” The saleswoman standing behind the counter seemed pleased to see him.

  “Good evening, Ms. Stonefield. Is my purchase ready?”

  “Yes, sir, right here.” She reached under the counter and pulled out an 8" x 8" green velvet box.